Hush little babe, don't be forlorn
You were lynched before you were born
Your skin is black, so it's understood
Though youre one day old, you're no damn good
Don't hush my babe, you're right to squalk
Your skin will creep before you can walk
You'll live just as long as they think you should
When you're one day old and no damn good
You may be president some day
And in the White House you will stay
So dry your tears, don't you frown
The rope and the whip can't keep you down
This Nightmare babe, can't last the night
We'll end it soon, the black and white
We'll mark its grave with a cross of wood
Saying "one day old and no damn good"
Hush now babe, don't be forlorn
Though you were lynched before you were born
Your skin is black, so it's understood
Though youre one day old, you're no damn good